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Work is officially underway on a new $5.9 million ferry pier at Half Moon Bay which officials say will play an important part of the new public transport network for east Auckland.

The upgrade is due to be completed later this year and will improve access for passengers as well as safer truck movements associated with the vehicular ferry terminal, said Transport Minister Simon Bridges.

"As well as better shelter from the elements for ferry passengers, the upgraded facilities will also provide covered cycling storage and nearby bus stops to ensure the best all-weather facilities for all types of transport users."

A new Park and Ride facility at Lloyd Elsmore Park will also provide an extra 100 parking spaces and there will be a weekday shuttle bus to take people from their cars to the ferry terminal.

Auckland Transport chair Lester Levy said the new ferry pier would become a key transfer hub for passengers using buses and ferries with better integration of services as the new public transport network for east Auckland rolls out towards the end of next year.

Auckland Transport said the new ferry pier would be similar in build quality to the Hobsonville Point ferry pier which opened in 2012. Construction will happen in the following phases:

• Piling work for the fixed wharf

• Pre-manufactured pontoon and gangway floated and secured into place

• Land based construction work on the bus stop and turn around area will mark the end of construction.

Features and benefits of the new ferry pier:

• Safer and accessible for everyone and designed to provide a greater level of shelter against the elements for passengers using the pier

• Design will reflect the history of the local area

• It will be located at the end of Ara-Tai, separated from leisure boat users

• A sheltered cycle storage facility which has been recently built near the dinghy lockers will be relocated to within the new pier area